Flag of Israel Raised over Jewish Agency Headquarters in Washington and New York

May 16, 1948

WASHINGTON (May. 14)

At 6:01 P.M. tonight when the new Jewish state came into legal existence the blue and white flag of Israel was hoisted over the Jewish Agency headquarters here. A similar ceremony was held at the same time at the Agency’s headquarters in New York.

Kliahu Epstein, director of the Washington office, told the gathering here that “it is the purpose of the state of Israel to become a democratic, peace loving and law abiding member of the family of nations. We will make our contributions to the welfare, prosperity and progress of the world and especially of the Middle East.” No added that “the youngest democracy in the world” looks forward to the closest and most friendly relations with Americans and the United States Government.